Updated September 2025, Punta Cana Resort Vendor Fees Explained
What is Punta Cana Resort Vendor Fee?
Resorts in Punta Cana, much like small cities, have all kinds of shops inside them: mini markets, clothing boutiques, game rooms, and yes, photo shops (if you’re still in the early stages, here are our wedding planning tips for Punta Cana to help you start with a strong foundation). These photo shops pay monthly rent to the resort to operate, and naturally, they want to secure as many photography and videography jobs as possible. Their services range from beach photo shoots and weddings to what used to be quick tourist snapshots with animals like parrots and monkeys. Since July 2025, however, photos with animals have been prohibited in the Dominican Republic.
Independent photographers outside the resorts are often more creative, use the latest equipment, deliver more photos per hour, and provide unparalleled service before and after the wedding. Many couples choose to hire them for their celebrations. For a broader perspective on planning, take a look at our guide on everything you need to know about destination weddings in Punta Cana. To discourage this, resorts in Punta Cana introduced external vendor fees. These fees apply not only to photographers, but also to DJs, hair and makeup artists, florists, officiants, and other vendors. What began as modest charges has, in some resorts, grown into very high amounts.
Because these photo shops are part of the resort’s business model, couples who bring their own photographer often face restrictions or added costs, usually in the form of a Punta Cana resort vendor fee. These are also known as “outside vendor fees,” “external vendor fees,” or simply “fees for outside vendors.” In our view, this practice is limiting. Weddings are once-in-a-lifetime events, and every couple deserves the freedom to choose the artists who will tell their story.
This is also a complex subject. Every resort in Punta Cana has its own rules, and those rules often change. What you’ll read here is not a strict rulebook, but a guide designed to give you clarity, options, and insider knowledge based on our experience. For the most accurate and current details, you can always contact us directly. We’ll gladly share what we know and guide you, whether or not you decide to hire us. Our goal is always to help couples enjoy the smoothest, most beautiful experience possible.
Why Resort Access Matters
Resorts control access to all outside vendors on their property. Almost every resort requires couples to pay an outside vendor fee to bring in their chosen photographer or videographer.
- Even when a resort vendor fee is paid, many hotels also require day passes for each additional member of the photography or videography team. These passes are typically tied to meals and amenities.
- Some resorts allow couples to book three nights of stay for their photographer instead of paying the vendor fee. This is a very good option not only because it can be somewhat cheaper, but also because most Punta Cana photographers do not actually use that room. We at Photo Cine Art certainly don’t. We simply come into the resort, capture the wedding, and leave once the work is done. That means couples can still use that room for any other purpose they wish, such as their preparation before the wedding ceremony, accommodating family or friends…
- Certain resorts, like Hard Rock Punta Cana and Hyatt Ziva Zilara, generally do not allow any local external photographers or videographers (from the Dominican Republic). They sometimes make exceptions if no in-resort service can provide a very specific request, but in most cases, they enforce this rule strictly.
The Difference Between Resort Photo Shops and External Photographers
Photo shops inside the resorts are usually staffed by beginners who are just starting to learn photography. They often work with old, cheap, used equipment and lack training in lighting, creativity, and storytelling. The business model is volume and upselling, not art or client service.
External professional photographers, on the other hand, dedicate their lives and careers to capturing weddings. With latest equipment, mastery of light, and artistic vision, external professionals create photographs that are not only technically excellent but also emotionally powerful and timeless.
This is one of the reasons so many couples choose outside professionals. You get higher quality, way better service, more creativity and quantity, and even pay less than you would to the in-house team. Couples who truly care about their wedding memories usually prefer to bring in their own professional team, even if it means navigating the resort’s outside vendor fees.
It’s also worth noting:
- Some external photographers include the Punta Cana resort vendor fee in their packages. On the surface it looks like they are “covering” the fee for you, but in reality, the cost is simply built into the final price.
- Prices of most external photographers still remain competitive. Even after accounting for vendor fees, the majority of professional Punta Cana wedding photographers keep their overall prices lower or close to what resort photo shops charge.
Why Private Wedding Venues Are Different
For all the reasons mentioned above, private wedding venues in Punta Cana are thriving. The area is home to stunning venues such as Kukua Beach Club, Jellyfish Restaurant, The Palms, Zoho Beach, Huracan Café and many more. These spaces welcome external photographers, videographers, and other vendors without additional fees.
Advantages of private venues:
- Creative freedom without restrictions
- No vendor fees, no wristbands, no hidden costs
- Venues are managed by independent wedding planners who actually care about your experience
- Locations are way more flexible in design and decoration than resort ballrooms or beaches
For couples who want true freedom in choosing their vendors, private venues are an enormous advantage.
Photo Shoots Outside of the Resorts
There is one thing that is not controlled by resorts: photo shoots. This is an excellent option for couples who, because of logistics, budget or any other reason, need to hold their wedding at a resort but still want to enjoy the freedom of professional photography without restrictions.
Wedding related photo sessions are often planned for the day after the wedding, giving couples time to relax and enjoy without rushing (we’ve also listed the best beaches for photoshoots in Punta Cana if you want inspiration for your session). They can be a classic romantic photo shoot with your photographer, or a more adventurous option known as a “Trash the dress” session. Despite the name, this doesn’t mean destroying the gown. It usually involves stepping into the ocean, playing on the sand, or letting loose in a way that creates cinematic images filled with life and movement.
Beyond that, the possibilities are endless. We can take you to multiple scenic locations in Punta Cana or even beyond. There are hidden cenotes around Punta Cana where we can create amazing underwater images that feel timeless. We can bring you to the cobblestone streets and river views of Altos de Chavón in La Romana (one hour drive from Punta Cana), or to the breathtaking eco-paradise of Caño Hondo in Sabana de la Mar (3 hours drive). The options are vast, and every couple can choose the adventure that best matches their personality and love story.
FAQs
Can I bring my own photographer to the resort?
Yes. Most resorts allow external photographers, but they charge a vendor fee. Sometimes this fee covers both photographer and videographer as a two-person crew, while other resorts require additional day passes for every extra team member. In certain cases, couples can also replace the vendor fee by booking a three-night stay for their photographer, which usually covers both photo and video if they share one room.
Do all resorts allow outside vendors?
Not all. Some resorts have strict policies. Hard Rock Punta Cana and Hyatt Ziva Zilara are unfortunately known for not allowing local external photographers or videographers, with very rare exceptions. Each resort has its own rules, so it’s important to confirm before booking.
Can using the resort’s photo shop save me money?
Not necessarily. Depending on the external photographer you choose, prices can often be similar or even more competitive than what the resort photo shop charges. Resorts may offer packages that seem affordable at first, but they give little and usually rely on heavy up-sells after the wedding. With most independent Punta Cana wedding photographers, you pay one fixed price and receive all of your photos and videos without any hidden costs.
What if I don’t want to pay vendor fees?
The easiest solution is to book a private venue such as Kukua Beach Club, Jellyfish Restaurant, Zoho Beach, Huracan Café… These venues don’t charge vendor fees and give you full freedom to choose your dream photographer. Another option is to plan an off-site photo session outside the resort, like a romantic beach or cultural location, where no outside vendor fee applies.
Are drones allowed?
Usually yes, just sometimes with limits. Many resorts allow drone use as long as it doesn’t disturb guests or break local regulations. Some, don’t permit them at all (Royalton, Finest, el Carmen Uvero Alto). When drones aren’t allowed on resort grounds, videographers can still capture stunning aerial clips from nearby permitted locations.
Final Note
Every resort in Punta Cana has its own policies, and those rules can change without much notice. The best advice is to contact the wedding organizer at your resort, ask directly about the current rules, and confirm everything in writing. If you have everything in writing, you are protected from any changes the resort might introduce later. Resorts tend to make their rules stricter over time, but they are still obligated to honor the contracts they signed with their clients. With the right planning, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your day will be beautifully captured without unexpected costs tied to a Punta Cana resort vendor fee.
Each couple deserves photos and videos that truly reflect their love story. Whether you marry inside a resort with fees or in a private venue with full freedom, there is always a way to make it work.
Real Couples Stories
- Lucy & Alex at Hyatt Ziva. A bohemian-style celebration full of personality. This wedding took place before Hyatt Ziva Zilara prohibited all external vendors, and it shows how beautiful a wedding can be captured without the resort prohibiting external photographers.
- Lisbeth & Evan at The Palms. A dreamy beachfront wedding with a symbolic Jewish ceremony. Their love and energy filled the day, surrounded by family, friends, and the sound of the ocean.
- Kayla & Jason at Kukua. A bohemian Kukua wedding with vibrant décor, emotional moments, and a party atmosphere that carried long into the night.